Study information

Programme Specification for the 2019/0 academic year

MSc Health Research Methods PT (3 year)

1. Programme Details

Programme nameMSc Health Research Methods PT (3 year) Programme codePTS3EMSEMS06
Study mode(s) Academic year2019/0
Campus(es)St Luke's (Exeter)
 NQF Level of the Final Award7 (Masters)

2. Description of the Programme

The global burden of disease and the challenges of ensuring safe, effective, affordable and accessible health services means that health professionals, health service developers/commissioners, public health policy makers and researchers are engaged in a wide range of highly complex activities that take place across multiple settings and sectors. The MSc in Health Research Methods has been designed for those who wish to develop a career as an applied health care researcher or public health  researcher as well as for healthcare practitioners or managers/commissioners who are involved actively in evidence-based health service redesign and innovation.

 

The core values and principles of the programme are underpinned by those of the NIHR CLAHRC South West Peninsula (http://clahrc-peninsula.nihr.ac.uk/) and the South West Peninsula Academic Health Science Network (www.swahsn.co.uk). The programme will also have an international scope and be suitable for those from any health related or social science discipline.

 

Health services research (HSR) is the multi-disciplinary application of a range of social sciences to the improvement of health services, systems and policies – and ultimately, the health of individuals, communities and populations. While it is an applied multi-discipline, it has long-established professional and academic associations in the UK, North America and continental Europe. HSR and public health research broadly cover the same remit as the UK’s National Institute for Health Research, which allocates over £200 million of applied health and social care research funding annually (NIHR Annual Report 2016/17)

It spans subjects and goals as diverse as clinical trials and evaluating the effectiveness of specific treatments for certain diseases, all the way up to how the NHS or other health systems are financed and organised, or how health professionals are appropriately incentivised, or how the quality of care can be improved through the adoption of guidelines, protocols, improved teamwork or more person-centred care.

The course has been developed to be suitable for those from a wide variety of backgrounds including:
social science graduates, science graduates, health and social care professionals, academic clinical fellows, health services managers/commissioners.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

The educational aims of the MSc in Health Research Methods are to:

  • Provide you with a multi-disciplinary and applied approach to the sharing of ideas, perspectives and experiences related to the real-world challenges facing health systems, policies and services in all countries;
  • Inspire you to consider solutions to complex issues from the perspectives of: patients and the public, health service providers, fellow researchers, health economists and medical statisticians, organisational collaboratorsand employers/care providers;
  • Support your development as an applied health services or public health researcher through engagement with fundamental and advanced research methods;
  • Enable you to analyse, synthesise, evaluate and reflect on the translation of research evidence into healthcare policy, management and practice, and
  • Provide opportunities through assessed tasks to: understand the fundamentals of quantitative and qualitative methodologies, plan and conduct a systematic review, develop a business plan for quality improvement and/or organisational development within a range of healthcare contexts, and undertake an independent research project.

 

The programme has been designed to be flexible and well-defined with three compulsory modules (each 15 Masters level credits) plus an independent research module (either 60 Masters level credits or 90 credits), plus 3 or 5 optional modules (or equivalent credits). The MSc can be studied on a part-time (over 2 or 3 years) or on a full-time basis (12 months).

 

A blended approach to learning will be achieved through online exercises and content, classroom-based taught sessions, recommended readings, bespoke tutorials, and practical exercises. All learning will be supported by online resources and moderated activities on the University of Exeter’s electronic learning environment (ELE). Expert tutors and guest lecturers will represent an appropriately diverse range of research backgrounds.

4. Programme Structure

Your MSc in Health Research Methods is a one year (if studied full-time) or two or three year (if studied part-time) programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7.

The programme is divided into units of study called modules which are assigned a number of credits. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 15 credits being nominally equivalent to 150 hours of work.

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.

Our PGT programmes are designed as standalone courses but the College also aims to provide flexibility where possible. We recognise that you may sometimes wish to take a module from elsewhere in the College, or the wider University, to fit in with their specific research or professional interests.  A taught Masters degree is made up of 180 credits, usually 120 credits of taught modules and 60 credits of dissertation.  Normally at least 90 credits of taught modules (but an absolute minimum of 60 credits), plus the dissertation, will need be taken from within the named award in order to graduate with that award. That means that 30 credits could be made up from one or more appropriate modules from another Masters level programme(s) in place of your scheduled ones, depending on the module prerequisites, the contact days of the modules, and your funding source.  There may be an additional fee associated with certain postgraduate modules. It is also important to note that the timing of your new module’s contact days and assessments might conflict with your existing programme of studies.  If after considering these factors you would like to explore this option further, please discuss this with the MSc’s Programme Director.  The CMH PGT Support team can then advise about the application process, which would then go for approval from the Programme Director of your current programme and the Module Lead and Programme Director of the programme(s) in which your new module(s) sits

Stage 1

Compulsory Modules

Choose between EITHER 90-credit OR 60 credit Independent Research module

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
HPDM092 Fundamentals of Research Design 15No
HPDM093 Systematic Reviews for Policy and Practice 15No
HPDM054 Statistics as Applied to Health 15No
HPDM107 Independent Research EITHER 90-credit OR 60 credit Independent Research module60No
HPDM091 Extended Independent Research EITHER 90-credit OR 60 credit Independent Research module90No

Optional Modules

Choose either 45 credits or 75 credits of Recommended or Other** approved modules:

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
HPDM055 Qualitative Methods and Process Evaluations 15No
HPDM058 Implementation Science 15No
HPDM056 Clinical Trials 15No
HPDM057 Health Economics 15No

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. Pose innovative and important applied health research questions, informed by systematic reviews of the literature, stakeholder needs and patient and public engagement;
2. Use appropriate statistical analytical methods to clarify associations between variables and to delineate causal inferences;
3. Select appropriate experimental, observational or mixed-method study designs to address specific health research questions;
4. Demonstrate breadth of theoretical and conceptual knowledge of health services research by applying alternative models from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds, and
5. Propose a feasible plan to implement and evaluate evidence-based policy or practice changes

Lectures, seminars, workshops, master-classes, specialist tutorials; Practical sessions; Web-based learning; Resource gathering and in-depth reading; Preparation and writing of assignment(s).

1. Structured review of the literature (appraisal report on health or care/service topic of choice) - ILO 1

2. Short answer test (analysis and interpretation of statistical and/or economic data) - ILO 2

3. Health research design (detailed outline on how a study will be conducted) - ILO 3

4. Health research proposal (equivalent to a bid for funding) - ILO 4

5. Business plan (implementation strategy within a real-world context) - ILO 5

6. Independent Research (supervised project) - ILOs 1-5. 

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

6. Apply knowledge of the needs, systems and environmental contexts of health services provision and public health programmes and policy to identify areas for improvement of health and healthcare;
7. Ensure the ethical and legal conduct of research in the design, implementation and dissemination of health services and public health research;
8. Collaborate effectively with organisations, researchers, practitioners, patients, carers and communities to plan, conduct, and disseminate applied health research, to best enable its use in changing policy and practice.

Lectures, seminars, workshops, master-classes, specialist tutorials; Small group discussions and project work; Formative presentations; Web-based learning; Resource gathering and in-depth reading; Preparation and writing of assignment(s).

1. Critical enquiry of health or care provision (coursework essay on context of choice) - ILO 6

2. Health services research design (detailed outline on how a study will be conducted) - ILO 6, 7 

3. Business plan (implementation strategy within a real-world context) - ILO 6, 9

4. Independent Research (supervised project) - ILOs 6-9.

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

9. Communicate effectively the purpose, outcomes and implications of health services research through multiple channels to peers, specialists and lay audiences;
10. Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at an academic or professional level;
11. Apply initiative and take responsibility as a leader and follower to develop high quality care individually and in partnership.
12. Develop the open mindset and learning habits to continue to learn independently and to develop professionally and reflectively.

Workshops, master-classes, specialist tutorials; Small group discussions and project work; Formative presentations; Peer-mentoring and coaching; Preparation and writing of assignment(s).

1. Formative presentations, group projects and simulated scenarios throughout the programme - ILOs 10-12

2. Health research design (detailed outline on how a study will be conducted) - ILO 10-12 

3. Business plan (implementation strategy within a real-world context) - ILOs 10-12

4. Independent Research (supervised project) - ILOs 10-12

7. Programme Regulations

Credit

 

Credit The programme consists of 180 credits. The pass mark for award of credit in an individual module is 50%.

Condonement is the process that allows you to continue on the course should you fail to achieve the required number of credits for passing an individual module. However, you must pass the modules marked with a 'Yes' in the 'non-condonable' column in the tables above.

Assessment and Awards

Each module will include both formative and summative elements (please refer to the module descriptors). Formative assessment will involve opportunities for discussion and feedback from peers and tutors. The summative assessment element for each module will provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate achievement of the intended learning outcomes. Elements of assessment will include:

• Development of Knowledge and Understanding

• Cognitive and Intellectual skills

• Key/Transferable Skills

Detailed and specific marking criteria for each assignment will be made available through the University’s electronic learning environment (ELE, http://as.exeter.ac.uk/it/systems/ele/ ) and will be clearly articulated to students throughout the modules. The overall pass mark for all modules is 50% (including the Independent research modules). Where a module’s assessment involves more than one element of coursework or assessment, a student is required to achieve a minimum of 50% combined marks across all elements.

 

Classification

The marking of modules and the classification of awards broadly corresponds to the following marks:

Undergraduate Degrees                                         Postgraduate Degrees

Class I    70% +                                                        Distinction   70%+

Class II   Division I 60-69%                                       Merit            60-69%

Class II   Division II 50-59%                                      Pass            50-59%

Class III  40-49%

 

 

Full details of assessment regulations for UG programmes and PGT programmes assessment regulations can be found in the Teaching Quality Assurance Manual (TQA) on the University of Exeter website.  Generic marking criteria are also published here.

 

Classification

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

Learning Resources The University Library maintains its principal collections in the main library buildings on the Streatham and St Luke's campuses, together with a number of specialist collections in certain Colleges. The total Library collection comprises over a million volumes and 3000 current periodical subscriptions.

 

 IT Services provide a wide range of services throughout the Exeter campuses including open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Helpdesks are maintained on the Streatham and St Luke's campuses, while most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network.

 

  • University Wellbeing Service - available free of charge, to provide confidential help and support.
  • Student Health Centre - We are a Primary Health Care Centre, primarily funded by the National Health Service, providing care for all acute and long-term health problems for students on the Streatham Campus.
  • Student Services Centre - in the Forum is your first port of call for free, impartial and confidential advice on a range of 12 student services from Accommodation to Finance, Wellbeing to International Student Support, IT to AccessAbility. You can access the SID team 12 hours per day during term time between 8am – 8pm plus 10am – 3pm on Saturdays. Out of term time we are open 9am – 6pm Monday – Friday.
  • The Student Engagement and Skills - team offer support for all students who wish to improve their personal, professional and academic skills, through lectures, workshops, individual appointments and peer support programmes in colleges and interactive online resources on Exeter’s Learning Environment (ELE). They provide methodological support for maths and statistics http://www.exeter.ac.uk/academic-skills-engagement-team/academic/maths/ as well as for writing more generally. http://www.exeter.ac.uk/academic-skills-engagement-team/academic/e-resources/
  • Family Centre (Streatham campus)provides high quality care and education for early-years children of students and staff. 
  • Student Advice Centre - : (the Forum) is your first port of call for free, impartial and confidential advice on a range of issues: housing, finance, and academic matters.
  • TheStudents’ Guild is the students’ union of the University of Exeter providing representation, advice, activities, social events, dining outlets and more.  
  • Student complaints procedure.
  • Chaplaincy offers confidential support, advice and pastoral listening for all students.
  • The International Student Support Office supports non UK students across all University of Exeter campuses.    
  • INTO University of Exeter partnership provides English Language and other preparatory courses for international students.
  • AccessAbility offers advice and support to students with specific learning disabilities (eg. dyslexia) and physical disabilities/health conditions. Support includes helping students access learning and teaching opportunities and make the most of university life.
  • Employability and Graduate Developmentthe Career Zone has over 40 staff working to help you improve your chances of getting a great job after you graduate. They provide expert advice to enable you to plan your future through: guidance interviews, psychometric testing, employer presentations, skills events, practice job interviews and CV preparation.

 

 

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.

10. Admissions Criteria

Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.

Individuals who don't meet the normal entry criteria but have relevant professional experience will also be welcomed on to this MSc programme. Qualifications and experience will be assessed on application.

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

(http://as.exeter.ac.uk/support/admin/staff/qualityassuranceandmonitoring/tqamanual/fullcontents/)

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

The University and its constituent Colleges draw on a range of data to review the quality of educational provision. The College documents the performance in each of its taught programmes, against a range of criteria on an annual basis through the Annual Student Experience Review (ASER):

 

  • § Admissions, progression and completion data

• In Year Analysis data

• Previous monitoring report

• Monitoring of core (and optional) modules

• External examiner’s reports and University and College responses (reported to SSLC)

• Any Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body/accrediting body or other external reports

• Consultation with employers and former students

• Staff evaluation

•Student evaluation

•Programme aims

13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards

The University and its constituent Colleges review the quality and standard of teaching and learning in all taught programmes against a range of criteria through the procedures outlined in the Teaching Quality Assurance (TQA) Manual Quality Review Framework.

14. Awarding Institution

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Not applicable to this programme

Partner Institution

Not applicable to this programme.

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

Not applicable to this programme.

18. Final Award

MSc Health Research Methods PT (3 year)

19. UCAS Code

Not applicable to this programme.

20. NQF Level of Final Award

7 (Masters)

21. Credit

CATS credits ECTS credits

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

23. Dates

Origin Date Date of last revision